The Best Days - c.h

Chapter 24

"They're not my pants."

Ava's P.O.V

It was Christmas Day & so far, the holiday was a fantastic one.

The seven of us woke up, we opened presents from each other, we watched movies all day in our pajamas & I spent a majority time of the day cooking a Christmas dinner, or at least checking on the dinner in between movies.

Although I wanted to be home for Christmas, since I was away from my family for almost an entire year in Italy, I also missed my second family, my family of friends.

"It smells so good in here, babe." Calum came into the kitchen & he instantly wrapped me into his arms for a hug. He was just out on the beach playing a game of volleyball with some of the house.

"Thank you. How was the game?"

"Well you're looking at a winner actually. Luke & I won the mini tournament. Claire can dance but she's can't play any other sport for shit."

"Awh." I leaned up to kiss him. "I'm so proud of you then."

"Now can I help you cook?"

"Do you really want to?"

"Of course I do. I can't let my girlfriend slave over a stove all day alone, let alone on Christmas. So how can I help you?"

"Uhm, the ham still needs to cook so you can cut it once it's done but if you want to help me peel the potatoes then you can."

"I can do that."

Calum took a seat at the counter before I handed him the potato peeler & a bag of them as well.

"So are you missing your fam at all?" Calum asked me as he was a few potatoes in.

"Yea. I am. But I'm also happy here with you all. Your my family too."

"Damn right we are. But I'm really happy you decided to spend Christmas here with us rather than at home. I'm sure your parents miss you but thank you for spending it here."

"This feels right. I needed to be here."

After obnoxiously singing along to the Christmas radio station for the rest of the afternoon, Calum had helped me finish the dinner & then the seven of us all sat together at our table.

"Can I make a toast?" Marcy asked as she raised her wine glass. "I simply want to say that I am over the moon that we are all here together right now. I love that no matter how far away we go at times, we can always come back to each other as if no time or distance has passed. I honestly think we have the best friendship in the world right here at this table. I love you guys for accepting who I am & I love that we are always here for each other in any time of need. But tonight specifically, I'd like to toast to Ava & Calum because although I was clueless, as were most, to the secret feelings you two held, I have never seen either of you smile as much as you have these past few weeks & I wish nothing but the best for you two. Happy Christmas & cheers, my loves."

"Awh." That made me smile obviously. "Thank you Marcy. That's really sweet of you to say."

"It's true though." Luke spoke up. "Calum has been grinning since the moment you arrived. It should be disgusting but it's somehow adorable & I support this relationship."

"It means a lot that you do. I've been waiting ages for this girl." Calum said as he had one hand on my knees, giving it a little squeeze.

After we spent hours talking over dinner & then talking over dessert, everyone sort of went off to do their own thing or even just to go to bed, including Calum & I.